Aerosol generating assembly including a cavity configured to receive an aerosol product

Abstract

an aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising a cavity (11) configured to receive an aerosol product (12), the aerosol product (12) comprising a tobacco portion (15); The aerosol generation assembly (10) comprises: an inlet portion (30) disposed upstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol-producing article (12) when the aerosol-producing article (12) is received in the cavity (11); a heated portion (32) extending through the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol product article (12) when the aerosol product article (12) is received in the cavity (11); an outlet portion (34) disposed downstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol-producing article (12) when the aerosol-producing article (12) is received in the cavity (11); defining an air flow path including: The aerosol generation assembly (10) includes a mouthpiece (43), and the aerosol generation assembly (10) further includes a first valve (50). An aerosol generating assembly (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating assembly that includes a cavity configured to receive an aerosol product article.

[0002] Aerosol-producing articles include, for example, solid substrates that can form an aerosol when heated. Thus, these types of aerosol-generating assemblies, also known as non-combustion heating assemblies or devices, are adapted to heat the substrate by conduction, convection, and / or radiation rather than by combustion to generate an aerosol for inhalation. [Background technology]

[0003] The popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying assemblies (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as aids to assist regular smokers who wish to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm a vaporizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0004] A commonly available risk-reducing or risk-modifying assembly is the substrate-heated aerosol generating assembly or non-combustion heating device. This type of assembly generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically containing moist tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material, to temperatures typically ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate rather than burning or combusting it, an aerosol is released that contains the ingredients desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other vaporizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that can be unpleasant to users due to combustion and burning. Therefore, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to users.

[0005] Such aerosol-generating assemblies generate aerosol during heating by the heater. However, a user may inhale only at certain moments and pause between inhalations. During such pauses between inhalations, some aerosol may be generated and not be inhaled by the user, for example, leaking outside the assembly or condensing as aerosol condensation within the surrounding cavity of the assembly. Such condensation may require additional cleaning of the assembly. Furthermore, in some instances, dirt may enter the assembly from the outside, leading to a reduction in the quality of aerosol generation and thus a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol generating assembly that includes a cavity configured to receive an aerosol product, thereby enabling an improved user experience. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to reduce leakage of the aerosol from the cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides an aerosol generation assembly including a cavity configured to receive an aerosol product article, the aerosol product article including a tobacco portion, the aerosol generation assembly defining an air flow path, the air flow path including: an inlet portion disposed upstream of the tobacco portion of the aerosol-producing article when the aerosol-producing article is received in the cavity; - a heated portion extending through the tobacco portion of the aerosol product article when the aerosol product article is received in the cavity; an outlet portion disposed downstream of the tobacco portion of the aerosol product article when the aerosol product article is received in the cavity; Including, the aerosol generation assembly includes a mouthpiece designed to contact the mouth of a user and at least partially defining the outlet portion of the air flow path; the aerosol generation assembly further includes a first valve at least partially disposed within the mouthpiece and configured to be open while a user is inhaling and to be closed when the user is not inhaling; The present invention relates to an aerosol generating assembly.

[0008] These features enable the aerosol generation assembly to provide a high volume of aerosol to the user while improving the user experience. In particular, leakage of aerosol from the cavity when the user is not inhaling is at least reduced or avoided. For example, such leakage to a portion of the mouthpiece downstream of the first valve is reduced or avoided. "Downstream" may be understood to mean any portion of the mouthpiece between the first valve and the exterior of the aerosol generation assembly along the direction of airflow when the user inhales.

[0009] These features therefore at least reduce the amount of, or prevent the leakage of, vapor, aerosols and / or moisture that escapes from the cavity when the user is not inhaling.

[0010] The first valve is closed when the user is not inhaling, thus preventing vapor or aerosol from leaking into the surrounding cavity downstream of the first valve. This is particularly relevant when the aerosol generation assembly is constantly heated, for example, during a vaping session, i.e., during the pause between two user inhalations. In this case, aerosol is generated during such pauses, but thanks to the first valve, this aerosol is retained within the cavity during the pauses. As a result, a large amount of aerosol can be provided to the user when needed. For example, once vapor / aerosol is generated, it can only exit through two routes: from the rear of the heated portion toward the inlet portion, or from the opposite end of the heated portion toward the mouthpiece. Thanks to the first valve located at least partially within the mouthpiece, such vapor / aerosol leakage is at least delayed.

[0011] Additionally, the generation of moisture, such as condensed steam or aerosol, within the aerosol generation assembly outside the cavity is reduced because the placement of the first valve reduces leakage of such steam or aerosol. Depending on the location of the condensation, such as in the peripheral cavity downstream of the first valve, the condensate may not be reheated, which would otherwise require additional cleaning of the assembly. Therefore, the first valve allows for shorter cleaning intervals for the aerosol generation assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the aerosol generation assembly prevents contaminants from entering the cavity through the cavity's opening to the mouthpiece. In particular, when the user is not inhaling, the first valve may close such opening in the outlet portion of the air flow path, and in particular may tightly close the outlet portion against contaminants, such as dust.

[0013] The phrase "a first valve at least partially disposed within the mouthpiece" is understood to mean, in particular, that at least a portion of the first valve is disposed at a position along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation assembly, including at least a portion of the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece may define a mouthpiece zone along the longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece zone may be bounded by both ends of the mouthpiece along the longitudinal axis. In this case, the first valve may be disposed at least partially within the mouthpiece zone.

[0014] The longitudinal axis may extend, in particular, parallel to the direction of airflow in the heated portion of the air flow path. In particular, the longitudinal axis may extend along the largest physical dimension of the aerosol generation assembly. For example, the aerosol generation assembly may define a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a third axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axes. In this case, the length of the assembly along the longitudinal axis may be significantly greater than the width along the transverse axis and the height along the third axis.

[0015] The mouthpiece, or at least a portion of the mouthpiece, is particularly adapted to contact the lips and / or mouth of the user when the user inhales. Preferably, the mouthpiece may be one single piece. In particular, the mouthpiece may exhibit a homogeneous material structure in all parts of the mouthpiece.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the first valve includes at least one movable part configured to open the first valve in response to a force exerted on said movable part by fluid flowing in the air flow path while a user is inhaling.

[0017] These features make the aerosol generation assembly particularly simple and / or its operation, particularly the operation of the first valve, particularly reliable. In particular, these features allow the first valve to operate mechanically in direct response to fluid flowing through the air flow path while the user is inhaling. For example, the first valve may operate without the need for any additional control mechanisms or sensors.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the at least one movable part is configured to close the first valve when no force is applied to the movable part.

[0019] Thanks to these features, the operation of the aerosol generation assembly is very efficient and reliable, because the first valve prevents moisture and / or aerosol from leaving the cavity when no force is applied to the moving part, i.e., especially when the user is not inhaling. In particular, the aerosol generation assembly may close very quickly when the user is not inhaling, thus increasing the efficiency of the aerosol generation assembly.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the tobacco portion of the aerosol product article includes at least one groove that forms a heated portion of the air flow path when the aerosol product article is received in the cavity, and preferably each cross-section of the at least one groove exhibits substantially the same width and / or depth.

[0021] These features improve the extraction of aerosol within the cavity, in particular the large contact surface with the tobacco portion allows the air flow within the at least one groove to extract a large amount of aerosol.

[0022] The feature that each cross section of the at least one groove presents substantially the same width and / or depth makes it possible to obtain a laminar or nearly laminar air flow in the cavity, i.e. in particular no or only little turbulence in the air flow, which in particular improves aerosol extraction.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the outlet portion of the air flow path extends at least partially through the cavity and the first valve is partially disposed within the cavity.

[0024] Thanks to these features, condensation of the aerosol is further reduced, in particular the aerosol can be retained upstream of the first valve, i.e. in particular in the upstream part of the cavity, when the first valve is closed.

[0025] According to some examples, the first valve is designed to be at least partially disposed within or protrude into the aerosol product article.

[0026] For example, a portion of the first valve is configured to press against or contact a lateral barrier of the aerosol product item, such as a wrapper, when the first valve opens. The portion of the first valve can be, for example, an outer portion of the movable portion of the first valve.

[0027] These features further improve sealing, particularly when the first valve is at least partially within the mouthpiece and also partially protrudes into the aerosol product, resulting in a highly efficient seal, particularly between the wrapper and the first valve when the first valve is open.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generation assembly has a flat shape and / or the cavity has a flat shape.

[0029] These features result in an improved user experience. The combination of the flat shape of the aerosol-generating assembly and the cavity allows the assembly to be mechanically simple and / or made with a relatively small amount of material. Furthermore, the flat shape allows for a very fast pre-heating phase of the aerosol-generating substrate, while ensuring efficient aerosol generation during the vaping phase.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generation assembly further comprises at least one second valve disposed in series with the first valve at the outlet portion of the air flow path.

[0031] These features further reduce aerosol leakage from the cavity, in particular by improving the seal between the cavity and the portions of the mouthpiece downstream of the first and second valves.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the aerosol product further comprises a first non-tobacco portion disposed in continuation of the tobacco portion, the outlet portion of the air flow path extending at least partially through the first non-tobacco portion; The second valve is designed to be disposed within or pass through the first non-tobacco portion.

[0033] Thanks to these features, leakage of the aerosol is further reduced. In particular, the second valve is adapted to retain the aerosol within the aerosol product, thus increasing the extracted aerosol of the aerosol product.

[0034] In some embodiments where the second valve is designed to penetrate the first non-tobacco portion, a further improved seal is achieved between the heated portion and the outlet portion of the air flow passage.

[0035] For example, the second valve may be positioned so that when the second valve is open, the movable portion of the second valve may be forced against or come into contact with a side barrier of the aerosol product item, such as a wrapper, thereby further improving sealing.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the aerosol production article further comprises an inlet valve disposed in the inlet portion of the air flow path and configured to be open while the user is inhaling and closed when the user is not inhaling.

[0037] These features at least reduce or prevent leakage of aerosol from the cavity into the portion of the airflow path upstream of the inlet valve. In particular, these features allow aerosol to be retained or trapped in the portion of the airflow path between the inlet valve and the first valve when both valves are closed and the user is not inhaling, thereby reducing, for example, condensation of the aerosol.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the aerosol product further comprises a second non-tobacco portion arranged in continuation of the tobacco portion opposite the first non-tobacco portion, the inlet portion of the air flow path extending at least partially through the second non-tobacco portion, and the inlet valve designed to be arranged within or to penetrate or to partially penetrate the second non-tobacco portion.

[0039] By virtue of these features, the aerosol is retained within the aerosol-producing article when the user is not inhaling, particularly between the inlet valve and the second valve located within or penetrating the first non-tobacco portion, and in particular, condensation of the aerosol is reduced and / or the amount of aerosol provided to the user upon inhalation is increased.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generation assembly further comprises at least one second inlet valve disposed in series with the inlet valve in the inlet portion of the air flow path.

[0041] These features further improve the sealing at the inlet portion of the air flow path.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the air flow passage of the inlet section in which the inlet valve is arranged extends according to an inlet extension direction substantially perpendicular to an outlet extension direction of the air flow passage of the outlet section.

[0043] Thanks to these features, the aerosol generation assembly is particularly simple and provides an excellent user experience, for example thanks to the inlet extension direction which allows air to be admitted from the peripheral side of the aerosol generation assembly.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the or at least one valve is configured to control the resistance to draw in the air flow path.

[0045] These features can improve the user experience, for example, when a user draws air forcefully into the mouthpiece to inhale, such resistance can limit or reduce the amount of aerosol-laden air provided to the user, for example, ensuring that an optimal amount of aerosol-laden air is provided to the user.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the valve or at least one valve is impermeable to liquids.

[0047] Thanks to these features, the sealing is further improved, in particular the valve makes it possible to prevent the escape of condensed aerosols.

[0048] The at least one valve may be one or some, preferably all, of the following valves: a first valve, a second valve, an inlet valve, and a second inlet valve.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the valve or at least one valve comprises: - valves of circular cross section, - Duckbill valve, - Umbrella valve, - Flat valve The compound is selected from the group comprising:

[0050] According to some embodiments, the valve or at least one valve is a Rudolph valve.

[0051] These features make the aerosol generating assembly very simple and provide good sealing of a portion of the air flow path when the user is not inhaling.

[0052] The at least one valve may be one or some, preferably all, of the following valves: a first valve, a second valve, an inlet valve, and a second inlet valve.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the inlet portion and / or the outlet portion comprises one single fluid connection to the heated portion.

[0054] Thanks to these features, the aerosol generation assembly presents a simple design.

[0055] The present disclosure and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation assembly according to a first embodiment, in which the cross-sectional view includes a cross-section along a first plane II including the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation assembly, and the aerosol generation assembly includes a cavity configured to receive an aerosol product. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIG. 1 along a second plane III-III perpendicular to the first plane II and including the longitudinal axis. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol product of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of FIG. 3 of an aerosol generation assembly according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of FIG. 3 of an aerosol generation assembly according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of FIG. 3 of an aerosol generation assembly according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of FIG. 3 of an aerosol generation assembly according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of FIG. 3 of an aerosol generation assembly according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0058] The expression "substantially equal to" is hereinafter understood to mean an equality of ±10%, preferably ±5%, and even more preferably ±1%. In some instances, the expression may indicate exact equality.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "aerosol-generating assembly" or "assembly" may include a vaping device for delivering aerosol, including aerosol for vaping, to a user using a heater element, as described in more detail below. The assembly may be portable. "Portable" may refer to an assembly used while held by a user. The assembly may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol), e.g., by activating a heater element for a variable amount of time, which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity and duration, allowing for the provision of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of a conventional combustion-type smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe). The assembly may include a temperature regulation control for driving the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature and then maintaining the temperature at that target temperature to enable efficient generation of aerosol.

[0060] In the context of the present disclosure, according to some examples, the aerosol generation assembly may include an aerosol product article disposed within the cavity. According to other examples of the present disclosure, the aerosol generation assembly may be a different and / or separate entity from the aerosol product article. In other words, for example, the aerosol generation assembly may include only a vaping device without an aerosol product article. Preferably, in all examples, the cavity of the aerosol generation assembly is configured to receive the aerosol product article.

[0061] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material, such as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas. The suspension may be in a gas, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "vaporizable material" or "precursor" may refer to smokable material, which may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol-forming agent. Tobacco may take the form of various materials, such as cut tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols (e.g., sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols, such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids, such as lactic acid; esters, such as glycerol derivatives, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, and triethyl citrate; glycerin or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also include at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a humectant.

[0063] First embodiment 1-4, an aerosol generation assembly 10 according to a first embodiment includes a cavity 11 configured to receive an aerosol product article 12. The aerosol product article 12 has been omitted from the views of Figures 2 and 3 to improve visibility of the cavity 11.

[0064] 1 and 4, the aerosol product article 12 is, for example, a flat rectangular parallelepiped extending along an article axis X1 and having outer dimensions LxWxD. In a typical example, the length L of the article 12 along the article axis X1 is substantially equal to 33 mm, while its width W and depth D are substantially equal to 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. According to different examples, the values ​​L, W, and D can be selected within a range of, for example, ±40%. The depth D of the aerosol product article 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, hereinafter referred to as narrow walls 13A, 13B, and the width W of the aerosol product article 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, hereinafter referred to as wide walls 14A, 14B. In some embodiments, the edges between the wide walls 14A, 14B and the narrow walls 13A, 13B may be rounded. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol product article 12 may have any other suitable planar shape and / or outer dimensions.

[0065] The aerosol product article 12 includes, for example, a tobacco portion 15 and at least one non-tobacco portion, referred to as a first non-tobacco portion 16, arranged along the article axis X1, in particular in continuation of the tobacco portion 15. The tobacco portion 15 may, for example, be slightly longer than the first non-tobacco portion 16. For example, the length L2 of the tobacco portion 15 along the article axis X1 may be substantially equal to 18 mm. The width W2 of the tobacco portion 15 is substantially equal to the width W of the aerosol product article 12. The length L3 of the first non-tobacco portion 16 along the article axis X1 may be substantially equal to 15 mm. As before, the values ​​L2 and L3 may be selected, for example, within a range of ±40%. The tobacco portion 15 defines an abutting end 18 of the article 12, and the first non-tobacco portion 16 defines a proximal end 20 of the article 12. The tobacco portion 15 and the first non-tobacco portion 16 may be secured together by lateral barriers of the aerosol product article 12, such as a wrapper 21 extending about the article axis X1. The wrapper is not shown in FIG. 1 to improve visibility of the tobacco portion 15. Referring to FIG. 4, the wrapper 21 forms the narrow walls 13A, 13B and the wide walls 14A, 14B of the aerosol product article 12. In some embodiments, the wrapper 21 is formed from the same wrapping sheet. In some other embodiments, the wrapper 21 is formed from separate wrapping sheets that separately wrap the portions 15, 16 and are secured together by any other suitable means. The wrapper 21 may comprise, for example, paper, and / or a nonwoven fabric, and / or aluminum foil. The wrapper 21 may be porous or air-impermeable, forming a plurality of airflow passages within the article 12 extending between the abutting end 18 and the proximal end 20.

[0066] The first non-tobacco portion 16 may, for example, include a core 27 intended to function as a cooler to slightly cool the vapor before the user inhales. The core 27 may, for example, comprise corrugated paper for this purpose. The core 27 may be formed into a stable shape by an extrusion and / or rolling process. Advantageously, the core 27 is positioned inside the first non-tobacco portion 16 so as to be in complete contact with the inner surface of the wrapper 21 that defines the boundary of this first non-tobacco portion 16. Additionally or alternatively, the core 27 may function as a filter.

[0067] As will be explained in more detail below, the tobacco portion 15 contains vaporizable material and is intended to be heated by a heating chamber.

[0068] By way of example, and with reference to FIG. 1 , the tobacco portion 15 may include one or several grooves 29 or embossed air passages extending parallel to the article axis X1. The grooves 29 may, for example, be formed on opposite surfaces of the tobacco portion and may, for example, have a constant width and / or depth along the article axis X1. Each groove 29 may, in particular, exhibit a width and / or depth that is one or several dimensions greater than the average diameter of the tobacco articles in the tobacco portion 15, each tobacco article being formed, for example, from cut tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf, and / or reconstituted tobacco. The or each groove may, for example, form a heated portion of an air flow passage when the aerosol product article 12 is received in the cavity 11, as will be further described below.

[0069] 1 , the aerosol generation assembly 10 defines an air flow path including an inlet portion 30, a heated portion 32, and an outlet portion 34. The inlet portion 30 is disposed upstream of the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol product article 12 when the aerosol product article 12 is received in the cavity 11. The heated portion 32 may extend through the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol product article 12 when the aerosol product article 12 is received in the cavity 11, and the outlet portion 34 is disposed downstream of the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol product article 12 when the aerosol product article 12 is received in the cavity 11. According to one example, the inlet portion 30 and / or the outlet portion 34 each include one single fluid connection to the heated portion 32, or each include more than one single fluid connection.

[0070] An example of airflow within the air flow path generated when a user inhales is shown in Figure 1 by arrows 36. For example, airflow may flow toward the abutment end 18 in a portion of the inlet portion 30 when an article 12 is received in the cavity 11. In the heated portion 32, the cavity 11, and particularly the aerosol generation 12, may be designed to direct airflow parallel to the longitudinal axis X2. Finally, airflow may cross the outlet portion 34 downstream of the heated portion 32.

[0071] 1, the aerosol generation assembly 10 may include a device body 40 extending along a longitudinal axis X2 between a front end 41 and a rear end (not shown) opposite the front end 41. An example of the device body 40 is particularly visible in FIG. 1, but the device body 40 is omitted from the views of FIGS. 2 and 3. The device body 40 and / or the aerosol generation assembly 10 itself may be at least partially flat.

[0072] The device body 40 defines an interior space of the assembly 10 that houses various elements designed to perform different functions of the assembly 10. This interior space may house, for example, a battery for powering the assembly 10, a controller for controlling the operation of the assembly 10, a heating chamber for heating the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol product article 12, etc.

[0073] The aerosol generation assembly 10 further includes a mouthpiece 43 that at least partially defines the outlet portion 34 of the air flow path, which is designed to contact the mouth and / or lips of a user.

[0074] The mouthpiece 43 is particularly attached to the front end 41 of the device body 40. The mouthpiece 43 and the device body 40 may particularly form two different parts. For example, the aerosol generation assembly 10 may include a support 44, which forms the cavity 11 and is further configured to partially receive and / or support the mouthpiece 43. In particular, the mouthpiece 43 is designed to be fixed to the support 44, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 . The support 44 defines, for example, in its center, an opening for receiving the mouthpiece 43. The support 44 may particularly extend inward from a side wall forming the device body 40. According to one example, the support 44 may include one or several air inlets 45, particularly adjacent to the front end 41. According to another example, or in addition, the device body 40 and / or the support 44 may include one or several air inlets at the rear end or at a side.

[0075] The mouthpiece 43 is preferably one single piece. This is particularly shown in Figure 1 with homogeneous hatching for the mouthpiece 43. In particular, the mouthpiece may exhibit a homogeneous material structure in all parts of the mouthpiece 43.

[0076] The mouthpiece 43 may define a mouthpiece zone 46 along the longitudinal axis X2. The mouthpiece zone 46 is bounded by the ends of the mouthpiece 43 along the longitudinal axis X2. In other words, for example, the mouthpiece zone 46 defines the length and position of the mouthpiece 46 along the longitudinal axis X2.

[0077] The support 44 forms, in particular, a cavity 11. Preferably, the cavity 11 has a flat shape. The cavity 11 forms, in particular, a heating chamber, also indicated as a heated portion 32 of the air flow path. In particular, the cavity 11 presents one or several upstream openings opening towards the inlet portion 30 of the air flow path, and includes one or several downstream openings opening towards the outlet portion 34 of the air flow path. In particular, the cavity 11 is designed to receive the tobacco portion 15, for example through the mouthpiece 43. For this purpose, the cross section of the cavity 11 is complementary to the outer shape of the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol product article 12. In particular, since the aerosol product article 12 has a flat shape, the cavity 11 may also have a flat shape, advantageously a rectangular flat shape. In particular, like the aerosol product article 12, the cavity 11 may also extend along a longitudinal axis X2 and form a rectangular parallelepiped shape including a pair of parallel narrow walls extending along the longitudinal axis X2 and a pair of parallel wide walls also extending along the longitudinal axis X2. In particular, when the aerosol product article 12 is received in the cavity, the corresponding wide walls 14A, 14B of the aerosol product article 12 face the corresponding wide walls of the cavity 11, and the corresponding narrow walls 13A, 13B of the aerosol product article 12 face the corresponding narrow walls of the cavity 11.

[0078] For example, the support 44 may include at least one heating element, preferably two heating elements, configured to heat the heated portion 32 of the air flow path, and in particular to heat the tobacco portion 15 to generate an aerosol when the aerosol product article 12 is received in the cavity 11. For example, each heating element may include a heating plate 48, such as those shown in Figures 5-9. Each heating plate 48 may, for example, at least partially form one of the wide walls of the cavity 11. In particular, each heating plate 48 is designed to contact or face the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol product article 12.

[0079] The aerosol generation assembly 10 further includes a first valve 50 disposed within the mouthpiece 43. In particular, the first valve 50 is disposed in an interior volume of the mouthpiece 43 corresponding to the outlet portion 34 of the air flow path. In particular, the first valve 50 may be disposed at least partially within the mouthpiece zone 46, which in particular defines the position of the first valve 50 along the longitudinal axis X2.

[0080] The first valve 50 is configured to be open while the user is inhaling and to be closed when the user is not inhaling. For example, the first valve 50 is configured to open when there is a pressure difference between the portion of the air flow path downstream of the first valve 50 and the portion of the air flow path upstream of the first valve 50, particularly when the pressure in the air flow path downstream of the first valve 50 is low. In particular, such a pressure difference may be created by the user inhaling. In particular, the first valve 50 is configured to close when there is no such pressure difference or when the pressure in the air flow path downstream of the first valve 50 is high compared to the air flow path upstream of the first valve 50.

[0081] For example, the first valve 50 may be a circular cross-section valve, a duckbill valve, an umbrella valve, or a flat valve, or may include a combination of these valve features. According to one example, the first valve 50 may be a valve, such as a flat valve, that, when open, forms a slit extending along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X2.

[0082] Preferably, referring to FIG. 3, the first valve 50 may include at least one movable portion 52, preferably two movable portions 52 facing each other, configured to open the first valve 50 in response to a force applied to the movable portion 52 by fluid flowing through the airflow path while the user is inhaling. Each movable portion 52 is configured to close the first valve 50 when no force is applied to the movable portion. Referring to FIG. 3, when the first valve 50 opens, one of the movable portions 52, referred to as the upper movable portion, is configured to move upward, and another of the movable portions 52, referred to as the lower movable portion, is configured to move downward. When the first valve 50 opens, the upper and lower movable portions are configured to move away from each other. When the first valve 50 closes, the two movable portions 52 are configured to contact each other.

[0083] 3, the first valve 50 may be designed to be positioned to protrude into the aerosol product article 12. A portion of the first valve 50, in particular the outer portion of each movable portion 52, is configured to press against or come into contact with a lateral barrier of the aerosol product article 12, such as the wrapper 21, when the first valve 50 is open. For example, the outer portion of the upper movable portion 52 may be configured to press upward against the wrapper 21, and the lower movable portion 52 may be configured to press downward against the wrapper 21.

[0084] According to an example, the first valve 50 may be configured to control the resistance to draw within the airflow path. According to an example, the first valve 50 may be impermeable to liquids. For example, the first valve 50 may include or be made of a polymeric and / or elastic material configured to provide a resistance to draw within the airflow path and / or to provide impermeability when closed. According to an example, the first valve 50 may include or be made of silicone, such as food-grade silicone. Preferably, the material of the first valve 50 may exhibit a Shore A hardness of 20 to 70, more preferably 30 to 60.

[0085] Second to Sixth Embodiments A second embodiment of the aerosol generation assembly 10 will be described with reference to Figure 5. A third embodiment of the aerosol generation assembly 10 will be described with reference to Figure 6. A fourth embodiment of the aerosol generation assembly 10 will be described with reference to Figure 7. A fifth embodiment of the aerosol generation assembly 10 will be described with reference to Figure 8. A sixth embodiment of the aerosol generation assembly 10 will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0086] The aerosol generation assembly 10 of each embodiment includes one, some, or all of the features of the assembly 10 of the first embodiment or any of the other embodiments, respectively. Only the differences and / or additional features are described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements.

[0087] Second embodiment 5, the aerosol generation assembly 10 may further include an inlet valve 54 disposed in the inlet portion 30 of the air flow path and configured to be open while the user is inhaling and closed when the user is not inhaling. The inlet valve 54 may include one, some, or all of the features of the first valve 50.

[0088] Third embodiment 6, the air flow passage of the inlet portion 30 or at least a part of the inlet portion 30 of the aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the third embodiment may extend according to an inlet extension direction that is substantially perpendicular to the outlet extension direction of the air flow passage of the outlet portion 34. For example, the outlet extension direction may extend along the longitudinal axis X2, and the inlet extension direction may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X2.

[0089] The aerosol generation assembly 10 may further include an inlet valve 54 disposed in the inlet portion 30 and extending along an inlet extension direction substantially perpendicular to the outlet extension direction. The inlet valve 54 may be, for example, the inlet valve 54 described in the second embodiment.

[0090] Fourth embodiment 7, the first valve 50 may protrude into the first non-tobacco portion 16 of the aerosol product article 12. For example, the first valve 50 may be disposed only partially within the mouthpiece zone 46, with the remaining portion of the first valve 50 protruding into the first non-tobacco portion 16.

[0091] 7, according to one example, the inlet valve 54 may protrude into the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol product article 12. For example, the inlet valve 54 may be only partially disposed in the inlet portion 30 of the air flow path, with the remainder of the inlet valve 54 protruding into the tobacco portion 15.

[0092] Fifth embodiment 8 , the aerosol generation assembly 10 according to the fifth embodiment may further include at least one second valve 56 disposed in series with the first valve 50 at the outlet portion 34 of the air flow path. The second valve 56 may be disposed upstream or downstream of the first valve 50. The second valve 56 may include one, some, or all of the features of the first valve 50 and / or the inlet valve 54. For example, the second valve 56 may be identical to the first valve 50 and / or the inlet valve 54.

[0093] The aerosol generation assembly 10 may further include at least one second inlet valve 58 disposed in series with the inlet valve 54, for example, in the inlet portion 30 of the air flow path. The second inlet valve 58 may be disposed upstream or downstream of the inlet valve 54. The second inlet valve 58 may include one, some, or all of the features of the first valve 50 and / or the inlet valve 54. For example, the second inlet valve 58 may be identical to the first valve 50, the inlet valve 54, and / or the second valve 56.

[0094] Sixth embodiment 9, the aerosol product article 12 may further include a second non-tobacco portion 60 disposed in continuation of the tobacco portion 15 opposite the first non-tobacco portion 16. For example, the inlet portion 30 of the air flow path may extend at least partially through the second non-tobacco portion 60. The second non-tobacco portion 60 may, for example, include features of the first non-tobacco portion 16.

[0095] The inlet valve 54 may be disposed, for example, in the second non-tobacco portion 60. According to examples, the inlet valve 54 may extend through the second non-tobacco portion 60 or may extend partially through the tobacco portion 15. According to examples, the second valve 56 may be disposed within the first non-tobacco portion 16 or may extend through the first non-tobacco portion 16. Referring to Figure 9, the aerosol product article 12 may include, for example, a second inlet valve 58, an inlet valve 54, a second valve 56, and a first valve 50 arranged in series along the air flow path.

[0096] Other embodiments According to other embodiments, any of the features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments may be combined in any technically feasible combination to provide a first valve 50 disposed at least partially within the mouthpiece 43. In particular, the features of the inlet valve 54, the second valve 56, and the second inlet valve 58, and their locations along the airflow path, may be combined in any technically feasible combination. By way of example, the aerosol generation assembly may include more than one of the first valve 50, the inlet valve 54, the second valve 56, and / or the second inlet valve 58.

Claims

1. an aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising a cavity (11) configured to receive an aerosol product article (12), said aerosol product article (12) comprising a tobacco portion (15); The aerosol generation assembly (10) defines an air flow path, the air flow path comprising: an inlet portion (30) located upstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol product article (12) when the aerosol product article (12) is received in the cavity (11); a heated portion (32) extending through the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol product article (12) when the aerosol product article (12) is received in the cavity (11); an outlet portion (34) located downstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol product article (12) when the aerosol product article (12) is received in the cavity (11); Including, The aerosol generation assembly (10) includes a mouthpiece (43) designed to contact the mouth of a user and at least partially defining the outlet portion (34) of the air flow path; The aerosol generation assembly (10) further includes a first valve (50) disposed at least partially within the mouthpiece (43) and configured to be open while a user is inhaling and to be closed when the user is not inhaling. An aerosol generating assembly (10).

2. 2. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the first valve (50) includes at least one movable part (52) configured to open the first valve (50) in response to a force applied to the movable part (52) by fluid flowing in the air flow path while a user is inhaling.

3. 3. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein the at least one movable part (52) is configured to close the first valve (50) when the force is not applied to the movable part (52).

4. An aerosol generation assembly (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an aerosol product, wherein the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol product (12) comprises at least one groove (29) that forms the heated portion (32) of the air flow path when the aerosol product (12) is received in the cavity (11), and preferably each cross section of the at least one groove (29) has substantially the same width and / or depth.

5. 5. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the first valve (50) is designed to be at least partially positioned within or protrude into the aerosol product article (12), and a portion of the first valve (50) is configured to be pressed against or come into contact with a lateral barrier of the aerosol product article, such as a wrapper (21), when the first valve (50) is opened.

6. The aerosol generation assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generation assembly (10) has a flat shape and / or the cavity (11) has a flat shape.

7. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one second valve (56) arranged in series with the first valve (50) in the outlet portion (34) of the air flow path.

8. an aerosol product article (12), the aerosol product article (12) further comprising a first non-tobacco portion (16) disposed in extension of the tobacco portion (15), the outlet portion (34) of the air flow path extending at least partially through the first non-tobacco portion (16); the second valve (56) is designed to be disposed within or to penetrate the first non-tobacco portion (16); 8. An aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 7.

9. 9. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising an inlet valve (54) disposed in the inlet portion (30) of the air flow path and configured to be open while a user is inhaling and closed when the user is not inhaling.

10. an aerosol product article (12), the aerosol product article (12) further comprising a second non-tobacco portion (60) disposed in extension of the tobacco portion (15) opposite the first non-tobacco portion (16), the inlet portion (30) of the air flow path extending at least partially through the second non-tobacco portion (60); 10. An aerosol generation assembly (10) as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the inlet valve (54) is designed to be positioned within the second non-tobacco portion (60), to penetrate the second non-tobacco portion (60), or to partially penetrate the tobacco portion (15).

11. 11. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 9 or 10, further comprising at least one second inlet valve (58) arranged in series with the inlet valve (54) in the inlet portion (30) of the air flow path.

12. An aerosol generation assembly (10) as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the air flow path of the inlet portion (30) in which the inlet valve (54) is arranged extends according to an inlet extension direction substantially perpendicular to the outlet extension direction of the air flow path of the outlet portion (34).

13. An aerosol generation assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the or at least one valve is configured to control the resistance to drawing in the air flow path, and / or the or at least one valve is impermeable to liquids.

14. The or at least one valve may comprise: - Valves of circular cross section, - Duckbill valve, - Umbrella valve, - Flat valve The aerosol generation assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, selected in the group comprising:

15. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the inlet portion (30) and / or the outlet portion (34) comprise one single fluid connection to the heated portion (32).

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